Atlantic Ocean South of Entrance to Chesapeake Bay; Firing Range

The Corps of Engineers is amending an existing permanent danger zone in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean south of the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay off of the coast of Virginia. For decades, the Dam Neck Surface Danger Zone (SDZ) served as a firing range for gunnery training at what is now Naval Air Station Oceana's Dam Neck Annex. While the Navy continues to use the SDZ for training, fixed-mount gunnery operations have not been conducted there for over 30 years. This amendment is necessary to accurately identify the hazards associated with training and mission operations to protect the public. This amendment identifies the area within the current danger zone boundary where live fire exercises are no longer conducted and no restriction to surface navigation exists. In addition, the amendment removes references to live fire range conditions and safety procedures since shore-to-sea gunnery operations are no longer conducted.